Antioch Colony

Nelson and most other Antioch residents left Buda in the 1950s in search of jobs and better opportunities, and the colony all but disappeared, according to historical accounts.

"They migrated, passed away, went off to school," Nelson said. "The community got smaller and smaller."

In the 1970s, though, Nelson and other descendants began to return to Buda, and some of them repurchased their family land. In 1997 they formed Antioch Community Church, and in 2007 they began to raise money to build a new worship facility for the congregation.

Beginning in 2007, volunteers have raised money and worked with a general contractor to complete the exterior of the building, which is suited for a sanctuary, fellowship hall, offices and classrooms. The Rev. Willie J. Williams also envisions an elderly care center, a recreation area for children, a food and clothing ministry and other services on the property.

"This church will be a pillar in the community, a light beacon for people to come and get themselves together or sit and talk to God," Williams said.

The church is being built on the site of the former schoolhouse on Old Black Colony Road. Nelson said she hopes the place of worship will help bring Antioch residents and former residents back together.

"We are the inheritors and the descendants of this place," she said.

Antioch Colony

1859: Joseph Rowley and his family move from California and buy 490 acres near Onion Creek

1861–65: Civil War

1870–71: Rowley sells his land to former slaves who form the Antioch Colony

1874: Residents Elias and Clarisa Bunton donate land for a two-story school that serves 57 students

1950s: Most residents move away in search of better jobs

1970s–90s: Some residents return to the community

1997: Antioch Community Church is formed

2007: Antioch Community Church begins construction of a new worship hall on Old Black Colony Road

2011: Historical marker is placed at the church, which is the site of the former schoolhouse

Antioch Community Church, Old Black Colony Road, Buda